Fungi

What is Fungus?

Fungi (plural - more than one) - fungus (singular - one).

A fungus is a primitive plant. Fungi can be found in air, in soil, on plants, and in water. Millions of different types of fungi exist on Earth. The most familiar are mushrooms, yeast, mold, and mildew, a group of organisms lacking in chlorophyll, (green plant enzyme, essential for photosynthesis). Fungicide is a chemical substance intended to kill fungi in gardens and crops.

Some fungi are pathogens (organisms that can cause or are capable of causing disease or infection to humans or animals), while other fungi stabilize sewage and digest composted waste.

Some live in the human body, usually without causing illness, but some can cause respiratory infections and other disorders. Fungal diseases are called mycoses.

Mycoses can affect your skin, nails, body hair, internal organs such as your lungs, and body systems such as your nervous system. Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, can cause aspergillosis, a fungal infection in your respiratory system.

Flooded buildings, homes, and other structures where excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors will encourage the growth of the fungi that are already present. Some fungi have the potential to cause adverse health effects such as allergic responses and asthma attacks. Individual who are sensitive to molds may have signs and symptoms of allergic reactions such as eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, and wheezing.

People who frequently use public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms, and people who perspire a great deal, commonly have mold-like infections because the fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas. The risk of getting a fungal infection is increased by closed-in footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries.

Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:

• Athlete's foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm
• Tinea capitis

Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include:

• Diaper rash
• Oral thrush
• Cutaneous candidiasis
• Some cases of genital rashes

Fungal Nail Infections

• Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may recur often. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition. Prescription anti-fungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus in about 50 per cent of people, however, such medicines can cause side effects or may interfere with other health medicines the person is taking. In some cases, the nail may be removed by the doctor. Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.
• Fungal nail infections may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing them to return in the skin or nails. The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Even with successful treatment, a relapse is common.
• Possible complications can include:
  • Permanent damage to the nails
  • Secondary skin infections (including paronychia)
  • Recurrent fungal infections of the nails or other parts of the body
• Contact a medical professional if you experience persistent fungal nail infections, or if the fingers become painful, red, or drain pus.
• Good general health and hygiene help to prevent fungal infections. Keep the skin clean and dry. Take proper care of the nails. Wash and dry the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection.

Some fungi have made our lives easier. Penicillin and other antibiotics, which kill harmful bacteria in our bodies, are made from fungi. Other fungi, such as certain yeasts, also can be helpful. For example, when a warm liquid, such as water, and a food source are added to certain yeasts, the fungus ferments. The process of fermentation is essential for making healthy foods like some breads and cheeses.

Penicillin Mold Fungus

References:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
NIH Publication No. 06-4914
January 2006
www3.niaid.nih.gov/
www.cfsan.fda.gov/
October 2006
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
U.S. National Library of Medicine